Ellis Leroy McAninch Jr.

1959 - 2026

Ellis Leroy McAninch, Jr. journeyed home to be with his Lord and Savior Feb. 2, 2026 at his sister's home with his family by his side.
He was born Nov. 10, 1959 in Jacksonville, Fla. After graduating from West Nassau High School in 1977, Ellis attended Gupton Jones Mortuary College. He graduated in 1980 and served two years apprenticeship under the supervision of Kyle McClellan Funeral Home, obtaining his funeral director license as well as his embalmer license. He worked in his family business, Callahan Funeral Home, and took ownership in 2007 after the passing of his mother, Doris McAninch. He retired in 2022.
He was successful in all that he did in helping to serve others and his community. He had a gift of expressing his affection and compassion to others and that is where he found his purpose in this life. He served on the Callahan Town Council, overseeing the fire department. He was a longtime member of Gray Gables Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and mentoring the youth. He later attended Callahan First Baptist Church and enjoyed fellowship with his Men's Small Group and church community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Leroy McAninch, Sr. and Doris Strickland McAninch; wife, Charlotte Clark McAninch; son, Ellis "Mackey" McAninch, III; and brother, Mark McAninch.
He is survived by his daughter, Amanda; special granddaughter, Arielle; grandchildren, Brantley Kingston, Ellysiah, Aaliyah, and Isaiah; and his sister, Sheila Higginbotham. Also surviving are beloved nephew Mark McAninch, Jr. as well as many other special nieces and nephews. Ellis also has numerous loving cousins, Aunt Vernice McAninch and many friends.
Visitation will be held at Callahan First Baptist Church today, Feb. 11, beginning at 10 a.m. with service following at 11 by Dr. D. Lynn Hyatt. Entombment will follow in Jones Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian Swilly, Cleve Cheshire, Donnie Ladson, Mark Devereaux, Ricky Carroll, and Tim Rau.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.srfhcallahan.com. Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home – Callahan Chapel is honored to serve the McAninch family.